The ElevenLabs Impact Program is taking a meaningful step forward by offering free voice cloning technology to members of Lary’s Speakeasy, the world's largest online support network for the laryngectomy community.
The Impact Program has demonstrated the life-changing power of personalized voice technology, helping thousands of people affected by neurodegenerative conditions like ALS and MSA maintain their vocal identity as their conditions progress. Now, we're extending this support to address a different kind of voice loss — one that can happen overnight.
A laryngectomy, often performed as treatment for head and neck cancer, involves the complete surgical removal of the larynx, also known as the “voice box". While this life-saving procedure offers hope for recovery, it results in the immediate and permanent loss of natural voice. In a single moment, the voice that carried someone's laughter, stories, and essence is gone.
Patients must relearn communication using alternative methods. Historically, this has primarily included electrolarynx devices or esophageal speech — but these options often feel impersonal and limiting. Beyond the technical challenge lies a deeper loss: the disappearance of the familiar voice that once expressed personality, emotions, and identity. For many of these patients, this can lead to severe depression and complete withdrawal from participation in the life they once knew.
Our partnership with Lary's Speakeasy represents a breakthrough for exactly this reason. What began as a small Facebook group in 2011 has become the world's largest online support network for the laryngectomy community. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides free supplies, peer-led education, virtual support groups, and essential guidance for patients and caregivers navigating recovery.
Through this collaboration, Lary's Speakeasy members now have access to ElevenLabs' innovative voice technology at no cost. This gives them the ability to create a voice that reflects who they are, or even reclaim aspects of their voice from before surgery through professional voice cloning. For many, this offers something previously unimaginable: the chance to sound like themselves again.
This partnership marks another significant milestone for the Impact program as we expand into the head and neck cancer space, building on our established focus on neurodegenerative conditions. Together, we're not just restoring voices — we're helping people reclaim their identities.
If you or someone you know is navigating life after laryngectomy, Lary's Speakeasy has built an incredible community of support — and now, ElevenLabs' innovative voice cloning technology is part of that support system.
Apply for a free ElevenLabs voice through Lary's Speakeasy: https://larysspeakeasy.org/voice-cloning/
If you're part of a hospital, clinic, or nonprofit supporting head and neck cancer patients and want to bring voice technology to your community, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to the Impact team here to explore a partnership: https://elevenlabs.io/impact-partners
Eight seconds of audio from an old VHS tape was all Sarah needed to reclaim her voice with ElevenLabs — and through her Smartbox assistive technology device, finally let her children hear her authentic voice.
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Expanding beyond ALS to support MSA and mouth cancer patients with free AI voice technology
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